CONTENTS:

Tintype with a Love Poem and a Lock of Hair

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This is a 1/6th plate tintype of a young, Union corporal held in a half leatherette carrying case. Under the picture was found a lock of his sweetheart's hair sent as a momentoe along with a tender love poem, sent to give him faith and a manner of warm reflection: "Adieu, adieu... in that sweet parting kiss, I left my heart with thee..." Who knows how often under the roar of cannon and fierce musketry this man appraised these words of love waiting back home for him. Or had he sent it to her? We shall never know the exact details, but we can be sure that their bond was strong.
 
CDV of Soldier's Monument in Pittsfield, Mass.

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Even monuments were placed upon the small calling-card sized paper-albumin images of the popular CDV during the Civil War. In one eerie case, a family photo album showed a tintype photograph of a proud young Union troop posing in his new uniform... while on the opposite side of the page, there was a somber CDV image of his white marble gravestone reading: Died of his wounds in a Confederate prison, aged 19 years."
 
Tintype of a proud Father and his Three Sons

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What a happy, proud father of three boys this Union private is!!! Look at the joy and good-nature in his warm face... This standard 1/6th plate tintype typifies the images taken by soldiers beside their loved ones before departing to war. Soldiers often carried images of wives, sweethearts and offspring throughout their campaigns. Sadly, many images were left gnarled on battlefields, never to be carried home again. Oftentimes, we find notes, messages, sprigs of flowers and locks of hair secreted within the letherette cases which house such old images. In this case, there is no such ID supplied~ we are simply left with this vision in time of a soldier-father happy over his children.
 
Autographed CDV of Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain

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This is a Civil War-period CDV of Gen. Joshua L. Chamberlain, the Maine hero who led the 20th Maine Regiment in its glorious charge down Little Round Top on the second day of Gettysburg. He essentially made bold decisions which saved the Union Army at a critical moment, thus preventing a forced truce with the Confederates if they would have won at Gettysburg on that day. So in effect, many students of military history consider that Chamberlain's charge saved the Union. Often, family members and fellow soldiers requested autographed copies of CDV's for their albums. After the war, surviving members of regiments put-together entire books showing their comrads in unifoirm, sometimes with name as well as rank signed upon them in ink. This image was probably taken close to the end of the war. It is hand-signed in ink by Chamberlain himself, with a photographer's backmark of: Wm. Pierce, Photographer, Brunswick, ME. After the war, Chamberlain received the Congressional Medal of Honor for his actions at Gettysburg; was elected Governor of Maine; and served as President of Bowdoin College for decades. He returned with his men to Little Round Top in 1913 for the 50th Anniversary and died in 1914, some say from the very long-term complications of a bullet taken through his pelvis at Petersburg in 1864. His home in Maine is now kept a museum in his memory.
 
Maine Cavalry Trooper

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These Civil War photographs came in a fantasic album of CDV's containing many of the officers and NCO's of the 2nd Maine Cavalry Regiment. These three images show William Moody, a Second Lieutenant from Company L. In one, he stands with an 1860 cavalry saber and sword belt; in the next, he is seated with a good view of his NCO belt plate; and in the last, he poses beside his wife. The Military CDV's are backmarked by J.S. Hendee of Augusta, Maine; while the picture with wife is from C. Powers of Woolsey, Florida. The regiment was stationed in Florida at one point and apparently they posed together during a visit that she made. It is most interesting when soldiers had various pictures taken throughout the course of their years in the service: Often, their beards change; the length of their hair varies; the mood on their faces goes to better or worse; and the rank straps on their uniforms show promotion. A lot can be learned from looking closely at such images with a magnifying loop. Also, the backmarks which identify the photographers can tell where the soldier and his regiment has traveled. But many images were taken while on furlough to Washington, New York, Boston or home. The denonmination of revenue (tax) stamps affixed to the back of some CDV's can date the picture, as the amount increased during the war.
 
AMAZING PHOTO SET: 3 CDV's and one Tin

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This image comes from a set of four pictures that show a wildly bearded soldier along with imaghes of his wife. What an absolutely wild growth of facial hair! It seems to have a real mind of its own! Since we do not know his name, let's just call him Corporal Fuzzy Von Beardbuckett! That crazy waft of upright hair reminds me of the well-known comic Martin Short from his Saturday Night Live episodes or Cameron Diaz in that very funny flick "Something About Mary." This guy was either a real crabby codger or a really funny hoot! Definitely not a dullard either way!
 
Tintype of a Civil War Musician & Quartermaster

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Tintypes were made in various sizes depending upon how much the customer wanted to spend. Prices often ranged from 10 cents to a dollar. The full tin plate was rarely ordered. Even half plates were a bit large. Thus, the 1/6th and 1/9th plates were the most popular for production in the Civil war and later periods. This image is the 1/6th plate, showing a Union quartermaster sergeant from the chevrons (stripes) on his upper arm. The intricate bands of contrasting cloth, called piping, across his chest were common to musicians. Each regiment had a band which consisted of drummers and fife players. They inspired the men on the march and entertained in camp. There were also specific cadences, or drum beats, which directed troops to march in a specific order. In a few cases, regiment bands were quite large and lavish when well-to-do officers endowed them with financial support. The government tried to stifle such excess but the soldiers still found ways around the regulations. Christmas and cultural holidays were often met with parties, balls and formal dinners. If the camp location was secure, the soldiers wives and families could attend. The bands were then employed to entertain while many of the soldiers often sang in groups. This musician also bears an 1840 Musician's Sword, as well as a faintly tinted red sword sash. When brass preserver (frame) removed, can see that the photographer's backdrop has tents and a US Flag.
 
CW PeriodTintype: Quarterplate of Gent with Tactics Manual and Womenfolk.

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This is a great looking picture. A big ole' Quarter plate tintype from CW period (4 1/4" by 3 1/4") in brass mat & preserver, which shows central gent in tophat with a truly Abe Lincoln-looking beard. He holds a military tactics type of manuel with gilded eagle on cover in his grip. On either side, his wife and daughter sit in period garb. Such a picture could well have shown the family's patriotic zeal or been prepared for the inspiration of a young soldier gone to war from their fold.
 
Albany Zouave Ambrotype: 10th New York

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Look at those buttons!!!! This 1/9th plate ambrotype has superb clarity and contrast which demonstrates real soul in this handsome lad's face. That little beard rims his chin and comes up the center like a modern beatnik! His cheeks have a light pink tint. The uniform is great! The thermoplastic Union case carries "Peck's Patent" 1854. In pencil is written: Albany Zouave and 10th N.Y. In fact, certain companies of the NY 10th Zouaves were mustered from Troy, NY. The case is good except for some nicks and a crack at one hinge, but opens & closes fine. The ambrotype (naturally on glass) is perfect, but the back plate of contrast glass (painted black) which is required to "show" an ambrotype, is flaking. The two glass sheets are joined by an old process with balsam glue. At some point, a professional photographic restorer should split the glue, repaint the backing, and reseal it. I'm not trying that. This is a lovely picture of a young Zou!!!!!
 
Double-Armed Hardee Hat from Indiana

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Ambrotypes developed on sheets of glass and tintypes fixed upon metal plates needed to be safely housed in order to prevent scratching of their photographic chemical emulsions. When exposed, digs, smudges and blatant lines were forever left upon the picture. Thus, images were sold in cases, sometimes of hard thermoplastic, but most often a faux leather pasted over a little wooden box which we call the leatherette case. The image plate was put under glass, but spaced from direct contact by use of a brass mat. The mat has with an oval, rectangular or scalloped opening to show the center of the image. A brass frame was then folded about the edges to hold the sandwich together. This assemblage was then set into the inside of the leatherette case. A lock of hair, note, poem or simple Identification in pencil was often included in the case behind the picture. Over the years, many cases split along their hinged seam, leaving the picture set in just the rear half of the case. We call this a "half-case". In this instance, the handsome Union private in a Hardee hat is still in a "full case". The mat bears bright patriotic motifs of flags, ships, cannon, and is marked "Constitution and Union". You can also see the velvet pad that fills the inside of the top cover. Rather than a typical Hardee plate, a strap holds up one side of this man's hat. His oval "US" belt and buttons are gold-gilted with paint, an accent effect performed by the photographer, since all pictures were black & white at the time. He holds his rifled musket with fixed-bayonet at attention. One can clearly see his cap box. Tucked in his belt is a shiny new Colt which is very clear. A faint pink watercolor tint has been added to his cheeks while his trousers are accented in a light blue by the photgrapher.
 
CDV of New York surgeon with 1840 Medical Sword

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This wise old Regimental Surgeon reminds me of the Cowardly Lion from the Wizard of Oz!!! He proudly holds forth his Model 1840 Medical Sword. Image was taken by a New York "Bowery" photographer. Surgeons were commissioned officers who staffed field hospitals and the wards of bigger hospitals in large cities. Usually, each regiment had its own Field Surgeon. These men had male orderlies or "hospital stewards" to assist them. Female nurses were not yet given much professional responsibility at that time, largely being assigned to change dressings, give poridge & water, tended to linens and comforted the sick men. There were also visits from chaplains and volunteer groups for emotional support. During the Civil War, the Regimental Surgeons did NOT have M.D. or a red cross on their garb. They had insignia on their kepis, shoulder boards and swords which read "M.S." for Medical Staff. Stewards has green armbands with the snake & staff or cadeusis.
 
Gartin/ Read Family Photo Album with KIA Union & Southern

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This is young Cumberland Gartin posing for a 1/4 plate ambrotype. The table upon which he rests his forearm hold a book (likely a bible) and his slouch hat. This young lad joined the 13th Iowa Infantry on 10/28/61, was wounded 7/22/64 at Atlanta, and disappeared near Columbia, South Carolina on 2/19/65 after Sherman torched the city. Interestingly, a true descendant of the Gartin-Read line recently contacted us and shared the exact family tree of Cumberland and his relatives up-unto the present day! This descendant was thrilled to obtain copies of the family album pictures along with associated ID's of their long-known descendants... Is it not strange how clues and info can still come-together even after 130 years!!!
 
Glass Lantern Slide of Union Civil War Encampment

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This is a postwar lantern slide that was probably used in lectures, veterans demonstrations or schools during the Victorian Period. It would be slid into a slot in a flame-lighted lantern which then could be focused upon a wall or screen for lectures. A Civil War period image of a Union encampment was used to make this slide. You can see an American (Union) flag fluttering over the assembly of pointed Sibley tents. This item comes from a set of images depicting soldiers on guard, in trenches, beside cannon, etc. The wood frame is 7" x 4" and seems to be made of mahogany. A steel ring is inset to a depressed recess where the glass plate is held. This is an actual camp from whence men might have proceeded into mortal combat. We are fortunate that the camera had been invented prior to the Civil War, lest all these images be lost with the memory of veterans. Too bad there was no photography at the time of our own Revolutionary War!
 
Oval Tintype of Samuel Claar, WV 2nd Cav, died in service

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This tintype was found in an old velvet lined necklace box with a typed note, stating that this image is of Samuel Claar, who was killed in action during the war and brought home to be buried at Four Mile Cemetary. And according to official archives, Samuel Clarr was in Co. H of the West Virginia 2nd Cavalry, and died of disease on 4/10/64 at Charleston, WVa. Samuel Claar is buried in Four Mile Cemetery in Jackson, Ohio. (Gravestone: http://ohiogravestones.org/view.php?id=69279).
 
Union Ensign with Naval Sword and Sword Belt

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This is a CDV of a Union CW Naval Ensign holding his sword, showing the dolphins on the scabbard mounts. There is a fancy sword knot and his naval sword belt plate can be seen as well. He has nice rank shoulder boards and an embroidered badge on his naval kepi. You might also note the fun tie with inter-locking circles that he sports outside his frock. On back of card is written what looks to me like "Miss Jennie Cole" Contrast and clarity are good. There is a slight scuff to paper in upper left background. Good naval images are tough to get compared to ground forces. No Backmark.
 
Neat Ambrotype of Nearly-Identified Cavalryman

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A neat 1/9th plate ambrotype with hazy solorization shows the peering image of a bearded cavalryman holding his saber stiffly. His slouch hat bears the larger 3 1/2 inched crossed-sabers insignia of a Union cavalryman as his jacket-style attests. Ambrotypes are set upon pieces of glass with a backing of black paint or velvet to give the dark contrasts behind the emulsion pane. However,the brass mats sometimes caused the chemical reaction or iridescent, hazy "solarization" where they contacted the image plate. Therefore, this aging process tends to creep in from the edges as we see in this image. An old paper tag that had been affixed to the rear contrast paint has fallen away. But sadly, it took away much of the soldier's name which had been written there. We often find names written on backs of old photographic images or hidden on notes behind them. When a full ID is present, it's a stroke of luck. But in this case, I suppose that we shall never really know who this man was, but you can be sure by his looks, he was certainly a real scrapper!
 
Civil War Period Photo Album

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This is the common tooled leather photo album used in most CW homes. It has "Photographs" written on spine. Six of its eight porcelain tabs are still present on cover. Binding is tight. One of the two fancy brass latches remains. Inside page reads "The American Photo Album" Has space for 50 CDV images. Also has a blank index page at rear. Most all families had such an album for treasured images by the 1860's...
 
1/6th Plate Bearded Private in Hardee Hat

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The men of the famous Iron Brigade worn stiff Hardee Hats like these. You can see the Jeff Davis badge on the turnedup side and part of his infantry horn device showing over the front brim. With a loop, the EAgles on the buttons are clear. Focus and contrast are very good. He's a bit cross-eyed but a nice looking sincere fellow. Some small emulsion nicks to background.
 
Four Union Comrades Share Eternity...

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This is a nice condition, original Civil War vintage CDV with no maker's mark on back. It shows "four pards" or Union comrades sitting on plain studio chairs in their Union frock coats. They seem to be buddies, with the two men who have moustaches apparently brothers. The one in the center looks shell-shocked or daft but was obviously still good enough in a crunch to bear the uniform. (Maybe he got the lighter trousers from the lockdown?) In any case, if one looks closely, the jaunty fellow with his hand on his hip to the left has bigger (state militia?)buttons and a veterans cuff stripe. Also, both men on either end have stripes on their sleeves which do not contrast well-enough to show without a very close look: one is a corporal and the jaunty guy a master sergeant. These images are typical of those common spontaneous images that troopers had taken in camps, towns and during furloughs in order to remember their closest friends: some who later died of disease or were killed in battle, others who came home to spend the next few decades reminiscing at GAR meetings and picnics about their heroic and foolish escapades called war. These were REAL MEN with hearts and hopes, fears and dreams; loved ones waiting and deadly enemy advancing. Any such image could be a group of officers from the same Company; or a surgeon and his hospital stewards; or a commander and his young adjutants; or an assembly of trench grunts from the infantry line; or a hooting-herd of yahoo-spirited cavalrymen; or the half-deaf members of a red-hot booming artillery gun: the cooks, the grave diggers, the farriers, the farmers, the students, the clerks, the thinkers-found-a-cause... each wanting that lasting picture as a fond memory. Sadly, this image is not identified as to who these soldiers were. But isn't that actually the real beauty of it? These friends have all marched together into the same electric blue haze which hovers for eternity.
 
CDV of Confederate Captain Geo. Smithy

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This CDV shows a Confederate Captain, as evidenced by his collar bars. On the back in pencil is written only "Geo. Smithy" The imagte is faded and the face highly distorted. Parts of the hair and eyes appear drawn in with pencil. Perhaps it is a post-mortum image in which destroyed or decayed features were filled-in as needed. Bodies were often retrieved days and weeks after death, making the remains a bit unstable and unsightly. Add battle injury to the equation, such as a bullet taking off part of the face, and touching-up an image of a dead soldier was quite imperative. Photographs were not cheap for poor families, especially Southern farmers from rural areas. However, once a man was killed, the family had no other option but to purchase a "post mortem" photograph as a last-chance to recall their loved one before internment. We often see these images of the dead propped-up in caskets... This is likely the case with this CDV image. A mortally wounded Confederate Captain being immortalized as best possible before being laid to rest in hallowed ground. Wish we had more information on him...
 
John Hathaway mortally wounded Spotsylvania

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A ninth-plate tintype in full thermoplastic ("union") case of Pvt. John Hathaway, Co. K, 61st N.Y. Volunteers. Hathaway enlisted in April 1864, was wounded at Wilderness in May during the 2nd Corps assault on the Mule Shoe. John's grave is now located at Loudoun Park National Cemetery in Baltimore. His gravesite is Section A, site 93. He was born in Providence, R.I. and resided as a single gent in Newport, R.I. before his enlistment. Occupation: A hatter. 5 feet, 5 inches tall with a dark complexion, blue eyes & dark hair. Casualty list No. 34 Index 50a shows him wounded at famed Battle of The Wilderness thereafter dying at 10 p.m. of June 22, 1864, aged 43. (After only 1 month in the service!) He was interred at 2 p.m. on June 23, 1864. Had been treated at The Newton University hospital in Baltimore. Records indicate that his personal effect included: =1 knapsack =1 pair of shoes =1 blouse =1 woolen blanket =1 shelter tent =Cash $180 Effects turned over to sister June 28, 1864. A great image of a man who died as a result of a famed Civil War battle. MY thanks to John Banks of Texas for this research!!!
 
General Meade War Period Autographed CDV

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A Civil War period autographed CDV of Union "commanding" General George Meade. In charge upon the field of Gettysburg in the critical 2nd and 3rd Days. No backmark. Some minor lifting abrasions to backside when removed from old CDV album. Generals often were asked for signed photographs of themselves by friends, colleagues and fellow soldiers. Ones of the more famous officers and generals are now quite collectible. The Confederate images are less common and generally much more expensive.
 
Ohio Zouave Tintype: Neat Uniforn & Spiked Hair

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This is a 1/9th tintype of a young Zouave with spiked-up hair (original Pee Wee Herman?)How do we "know" that this lad is from 76th Ohio? Well, we are not ansolutely sure, but: This particular uniform was used by the 76th Ohio. Go to page 145 of Echoes of Glory/The Arms and Equipment of The Union and it shows an image of a dapper Zouave in the same uniform above (see image from that book below...) That image also shows the Ohio 76th soldier with a spiked hairdo. This unit was put to the test. The results were being mustered-in with 962 men and coming back home with less than 300! They had fought in Shiloh, Corinth, Chicksaw, Vicksburg, Chattanooga, Ringold, Taylor's ridge. The Zouave uniform was purchased for parade in Washington after furlough in 1864 but only then. This was a 3 year unit. This tintype is slightly dark in contrast with an average degree of focus. The soldier's name is written in pencil behind image "H. Howel" or "H. Howe"... But not yet nailed-down with certainty from the CW Databases... The brass patriotic mat or brass border has two flags with soldiers and dated columns reading 1776/1861. It also came in a full leatherette case that is sadly separating at the taped seam. Zouave images showing the highly "individualistic" unirforms of specific regiments are rare.
 
Ambrotype of a Pre-War Southern Belle

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This ambrotype photograph created on a glass slide shows the dress and demeanor of a reserved Southern Belle. Her clothing and jewelry are indicative of the pre- Civil War period. Often, such women lost their husbands, siblings and family homes to the destructive ravages of a war that was largely fought right upon Southern soil. In trying to wear down the resolve of the Southern States, the Union Army was authorized to confiscate livestock, goods and property. They also tore up railroads, destroyed bridges, burned crops and leveled entire towns and estates. Much of the South was left in a shambles. And as the War dragged on, such a woman may well have sold her fine jewelry to help buy clothing and goods for the troops at the front. During Union sieges, a large proportion of citizens often fled their hometowns while others took refuge in basements or caves
 
Tintype of Friends: Did they Survive???

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It is hard to look upon images of good friends who posed together during the Civil War without soon wondering who they were and if they survived? So often families were left with only a single tin photographic sheet by which to recall a lost warrior. The hardest part is seeing the warm and friendly soul within the imprinted faces of these troopers of BOTH armies. As children, brothers, husbands and fathers, how could they clash to kill and maim one another? It is simply a clear example of what occurs when good men abandon talk, compromise and higher-reason to push their prejudices, self-interests and narrow agendas at a cost of their otherwise united humanity. BOTH sides in war are a bit mad and gone wrong
 
A Company of Union troops wearing Hardee hats near Petersburg, VA.

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This is an outdoor group photograph of a Union company wearing their Hardee-type hats near Petersburg, Virgina. Such outdoor group shots were rarely taken since the studio lighting was more controlled for early photography. However, the men who fought and died side-by-side often wanted to remember all of their comrades years into the future.
 
Prisoners of War ~ Not always so lucky...

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In any war, surrendering troops are not necessarily better off than those who have been killed or maimed. For some, there is starvation, disease, uncertainty and mistreatment. Many of us have heard the horror stories of Andersonville Prison where many Union troops died of famine and disease... In fact, the Commandant of that prison, Colonel Weir, was tried and executed after the war for his crimes against humanity. But a prison was no place to be on either side. Food was scarce, supplies slim and protection from the elements Spartan. While many withered away, others made gallant escapes and thousands of others were traded in "prisoner exchange programs." This picture shows the physical decimation of two soldiers who barely survived a harsh Civil War prison to the end of the hostilities.
 
Another Man Taken to Heaven???

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When a soldier did not return from war, the bereft family members often scrambled to find lasting momentos such as letters, possessions and photographs to preserve their memory of him. As today, most relatives do not believe that their loved-one will not return from war... And as such, sometimes just one small photo might be available for the entire family to tenderly share for decades after... In the years during and just after the Civil War, industrious photographers made copies of images by photographing the original picture itself. Thus, all family members could get a copy, which could even be "enlarged" to some extent before it blurred... In this case, we see a tiny "gem-sixed" tintype of a bearded Union private tacked to a studio wall whereupon it was carefully photographed to make a CDV (albumin paper) copy... Did this man die of disease; succumb to horrible wounds in battle; or simply want more images in his old age as a venerable GAR veteran??? We shall never know...
 
Riding Off into the Sunset

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With no individual mechanized vehicles as yet invented, the horse was the sole improved mode of transporatation over the foot in the brogan or boot! The cavalry was a huge and awesome force in each army during the Civil War. Many cavalrymen had a reckless, more daring and somewhat flam,boyant nature. But decor and good looks quickly faded when steel and lead clashed in brutal deadly charges of huge mounted forces... Then it was time to ride to either victory or into oblivion!
 
Sailor Lad from Wooden Warship or Ironclad???

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This is a Civil War period CDV showing a pensive, good-looking lad who is clearly a military sailor. He gazes steadfastly into the camera while resting his forearm on a table that holds a bible. His shirt, broad collar and scarf are hand-tinted in light blue. The back of the cardboard mountcard advertizes the photographer as: Paul Tralles, 1013 Pa. Ave. Washington, D.C. According to a pencil notation on the back, this interesting image came from the "Schoenborn Family Album" but does not mention city or state of residence. Images of young sailors are less common than ground troops. And rarely are they so intimate and relaxed in their aura as this image of an eas-going young man. Contrast & clarity are very good. Did he run the splintering decks of an old wooden warship during blockade or test the hot insides of a new-fangled monitor ironclad? Think of what he saw on the seas during that war!
 
Ambrotype Two Union Brothers: One Will Die!

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This is a nice 1/6 plate ruby glass ambrotype of two Union brothers from the Dayton Family of Ohio. They wear civilian garb. Picture likely taken just before they marched off to enlist in April 1861. A paper kept with image reads thus: "Enlisted April 23rd, 1861. E.E. Dayton 25, D.D. Dayton 20. Chagrin Falls, Ohio" A lad by name of Dayton from roughly this enlist date in Ohio is listed by Civil War database as 'Killed in Action' in 1864. But which of these two men is the one???
 
Armed Albumin of a Rebel???

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This is an original Civil War period albumin photograph of a soldier armed with a musket that bears its fixed bayonet. From the straps upon his chest and shoulders, one can see that the trooper is wearing a knapsack, possibly a Confederate Kibler. The size and spacing of the buttons upon his frock coat seem to suggest Southern garb rather than Northern. One can see a capbox and an oval belt plate as well. The lightly blue tinted badge on his chest is probably a version of the Southern Succession Badge or Palmetto badge that showed support for the Confederate States' leaving of the Union. The other interesting thing about this photo is that he seems to be of Mexican desent and thus might be a Texan... The albumin is mounted on thin mounting backboard with no written ID or photographer's markings. It is cut down to an oval at 6 inches high and 4 1/2 wide.
 
Into the fray on a stead!

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The size of Union and Confederate cavalry forces during the Civil War was huge! Yet few photographers ventured outside their studios to capture images of troopers mounted upon their trusty steads. The exposure times required still subjects and horses rarely listened to their pleadings of "smile for the birdie!" On top of the long shutter times, light could easily burn out or dim an image due to the fugitive chemicals involved in the process of early photography. A studio with controlled natural ceiling lighting and the subject's head clamped by a hidden stand from behind was much more predictable than chasing a snorting horse out in the mud. Thus, such outdoor mounted cavalry pictures from the Civil war are relatively uncommon. So even scratched, this image would be cherished by most all collectors these days!
 
1/6th Ambrotype of Handsome Troop

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This is a very nice looking young private from the Civil War with blue eyes, pink-tinted cheeks and a goatee beard. He wears a frock coat with a stand-up collar that bears piping. I am not sure if he is Union or Confederate because the coat looks a bit gray. However, his gold accented buttons are a bit small for the typical Confederate, so I lean a bit more toward him being Union. The contrast & clarity are great. He has a lot of vivid soulfulness. Sadly, there was no ID with this image.
 
When Ambrotypes start Flaking Away...

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If one collects enough Civil War period images, you will no doubt get some "ambrotypes" as well. In that method of preserving images, the emulsion was set and developed directly on a glass plate rather than tin or the later papers. However, the visual image is reversed, so that a backdrop of black colored material is required behind the glass plate to show the image to our eyes. In the Civil War period, a thick syrupy black colloid was painted onto the opposite side (back) of the glass plate. Thus, the image was on one side, while the black paint was put on the other. Over the years, that black paint lifts and flakes away, leaving irregular visual "holes" in the image that we see. And yet, the true emulsion or picture is really still fully intact on the otherside of the plate! By replacing the black paint or filling-in just the flaked off areas, the image appears to be fully intact again! Using a black gloss "model paint" works the best. And yet, it does not damage or alter the original Civil War image (emulsion) on the other side of the plate. Our "new" paint backdrop could easily be scraped off of the glass in the future if one ever wished to use the exact same black colloid-syrup as during the Civil War for some reason.
 
1864 Union Camp of Sheds outside Decatur, GA.

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THIS IS A RARE, VINTAGE 1864 CDV THAT SHOWS THE SHEDS AND FENCES OF A UNION ENCAMPMENT OF THE 32nd WISCONSIN AND THE 25TH INDIANA WITHIN THE FORT AT DECATUR, ALABAMA ALONG WITH OTHER COMPANIES OF THE REGIMENT. ON THE FRONT AT THE BOTTOM IS WRITTEN: "Taken from the top of a house looking North down the river". ON THE FRONT AT THE TOP EDGE IS WRITTEN: "The tents are the Camp 32nd Wisconsin". ON THE LEFT SIDE EDGE IS WRITTEN: "Camp 25th Ind V.Vet May 15th 1864 in the Fort at Decatur, Ala." ON THE REVERSE IS WRITTEN: "At the top of the Card presents the wood in distance about 3/4 miles. The low black shrubbery is the hedge fence on either side of the Courtland Road. The line of stakes is the line of Breast works-the shanties that are covered with tents, is the camp of the 32nd Wisconsin. Next to that comes Co A of our Reg. then all the other Companies from left to right, the second shanty from "G" is the one our Mess stayed in, the long shed at the right end of our quarters is the shed we eat under. The dark shady look place is the garden between the hospital at the railing".
 
1/9 Glass Plate Ambro of Perturbed CW Giirl

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Maybe she missed her soldier father? Or maybe she did not like dressing up and standing still for the long camera exposure... But this little CW period gal is definitely perturbed. The photographer tinted her cheeks pink. She wears a great dress with bows at shoulders. Has original period glass & brass mats but no case. Black paint on rear for the contrasting backdrop. No ID to this child. Contrast & clarity are very good. Did daddy make it home from the war with this image of his lil' darling in his knapsack?
 
Young Lieutenant who Wanted to Live!

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This is a CW period CDV of a young Union Lieutenant who wears very small custom straps that were permitteed later in the course of CW to decrease the loss of officers to Confederate sharpshooters who were specifically targeting them. This Cdv was taken by: O.H. Willard's at 1206 Chestnut, Phila(delphia). In pencil on backk is a note: "Came with 2nd NY Cav Images."